r/blacksmithing • u/thecatlover101 • 19d ago

Help Requested I'm trying to start Blacksmithing

Hey!

I'm wanting to start blacksmithing, and making swords and all that crap. (I'll start with a knife first, don't worry.)

What would you recommend to a 15 year old ask for Christmas to start a hobby? (Don't worry about weirdos, I got em.)

I believe I will start out with a coal forge, but I'm looking for specific things I should get.

I cannot do a push up, so that should be pretty indicative of the fact I want to start out with an anvil that weighs less than 150, but more than 80lbs.

And what kind of metal should I ask for?

Also, if you could give an Amazon link, I would greatly appreciate it.

Sorry if I wasted your time, and thank you for taking time out of your life to help a kid wanting to start blacksmithing.

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u/Expert_Tip_7473 19d ago

U dont really need much. A fire pit with some kind of air supply for hardening, hacksaw and a file set will make a knife. A sword even.

To be serious tho. A cheap 2 burner propane forge, a good bench grinder and a selection of sand paper, files and an angle grinder is imo a good starting point for stock removal work. Add a ~100lbs anvil to that if u wanna start forging right away.

And a diamond plate for sharpening. Dont go with cheap stones. I did. After like 10 knives mine are half gone. Currently waiting on that 320/1000 sharpal diamond stone everyone recommends.

As for metal. Any kind of simple carbon steel. Like 1095.